Morning Markets of Jakarta

They say a market is often the soul of a city. The famous fruit and vegetable markets in Paris, the wonderful Tsukiji market in Tokyo, and many others. But Jakarta has perhaps hundreds of markets, and I was told most are very similar to the other.

Continuing on my visit to Jakarta courtesy of JakartaSavvy.com, I went to a morning market. Amongst the many cakes and kuih on sale, it was also a popular place for breakfast. But before food, an iconic drink I only managed to find in Indonesia. Teh Botol.

Interesting that a sweetened, black tea can be commercialized to such an extent. The teh botol (IDR4,000), or literally translated as simply bottle tea, is quite a nice tasting tea, and a must try in Indonesia.

The stalls at the market seem to be makeshift carts. I do not see a bicycle contraption attached to the cart or any means of moving them other than by pushing the cart. But this is a throwback to the years before hawker centers in Singapore, when hawkers literally ply the streets.

Mee Bakso is a popular meal in Jakarta. Be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea breaks, and even supper. The noodles are a bit like wanton noodles, but less springy, softer, more tender consistency. The diced chicken, and chicken ball, and wanton is quite interesting as well…not at all refined, but a robust, hardy kind of taste, which is satisfying.

Another standard breakfast fare is the Soto Ayam.

Eaten with keropok…prawn crackers, and rice, this is a kind of savoury soup made with chicken.

Similar to the mee soto or soto ayam we have here in Singapore, but perhaps a bit more rustic and emphasis on base flavours, it is nonetheless very good. The deep fried shallots providing a wonderful aromatic touch. Must try in many places around town.

Another standard local breakfast item is bubur ayam…or chicken rice porridge. I did not try that, so apologies, no pics.

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Peter is a renowned foodie in Singapore. He found joy in sharing his eating adventures and started blogging in 2008. He retired from corporate life in 2010 to focus on his photography and writing, mainly for clients in the watch industry.